Cooper asked:


is currently poised on the brink of recession. Years of unsustainable economic growth is finally taking its toll and a global economic crisis has taken hold. Some industries will be more affected than others. One industry that could be seriously affected is the mobile phone industry.

 

A research firm called ABI Research has recently released figures to suggest that the mobile phone industry could be in serious trouble. It has found that on a global level, mobile phone sales have fallen by almost five percent against the same time in 2007. This final quarter sales reduction sets against 2008’s full year results which were an increase on the previous year.

 

It has been felt that the mobile phone industry is one that will suffer through the global credit crunch and the figures from ABI Research will do little to help that. All feeling is that the present year will leave mobile operators struggling with sales of standard mobile phones. Even so, the white knight of mobile broadband looks as though it could seriously assist the mobile phone companies from major problems.

 

2008 saw companies such as 3 and O2 add many new packages to their mobile broadband tariffs. It is now possible to get speeds of up to 7.2Mbps and monthly download allowances of up to 15GB all this along with promise of free laptops and netbooks. The final quarter also saw Virgin enter the mobile broadband market. This now means that all of the major mobile phone operators have mobile broadband offerings.

 

The research also hinted at 3G phones will also have strong demand. High profile phones like the Blackberry Storm or iPhone will continue to have high demand in 2009.

Cooper asked:


 

Mobile Broadband has revolusionised the consumer and business broadband market. It gives consumers the ability to access broadband speed Internet where ever they have a laptop and a USB mobile broadband modem.

 

But with all of the convenience of mobile broadband, it is important to choose the best mobile broadband package for your needs. Mobile Broadband packages are now offered from all of the UK mobile phone operators with many operators providing a vast number of tariffs. Because of this, it is important to consider the following criteria when looking to choose a provider.

 

Contract Term

 

Are you prepared to commit to a mobile broadband service for a long period of time? The longer you will commit to a package, the better the deal available. Most of the providers offer packages from 12 to 24 months.

 

Speed of Service

 

Do you know your key criteria for purchasing a mobile broadband solution? Are your requirements fairly straight forward? If your main need for the mobile broadband connection is just to send emails and browse the web, then your requirements for speed will be less than if you are going to want to download music and video. Mobile broadband speeds range from 3.6Mbps to 7.2Mbps.

 

Coverage of Service

 

The key thing to be aware of when choosing a mobile broadband package is that the mobile broadband providers use the mobile phone networks to deliver the service. Because of this, it is important to check on your chosen provider’s website to ensure that you are able to receive good coverage where you live.

 

Sign Up Costs

 

Some networks will come with a sign up cost. This will normally be associated with lower term contracts.

 

Monthly Downloads

 

As with speed of service, it is also worth considering your usage with regard to how much data you will want to download in the month. This is because all mobile broadband providers offer packages with download limits. These can range from 3GB to 15GB per month. If you go over your limits, some networks will charge you. Because of this, it is important to ensure that you sign up for the package most suited to your requirements.

 

Which mobile broadband network to choose?

 

All of the uk mobile phone operators now offer mobile broadband services. These include Orange, 3, Vodafone, O2, T-Mobile and Virgin. Packages vary from network to network so it is worth checking what will be the best package for you. 

 

 

Shirley Stevens asked:


If you thought that mobile broadband was something to do with surfing the web on your mobile phone, you’re very wrong.

Mobile broadband allows you to have immediate web access on either your computer or laptop from wherever you are, be it at home, at the airport, on the train or halfway across the Pennine Way.

Instead of the cables or wires needed for standard broadband, mobile broadband is powered by the 3G mobile network, hence the name.

Simply, all you need is a subscription to a mobile service network and a plug-in USB modem - a dongle, if you prefer - and you’re away.

It’s not purely by chance that the present UK mobile broadband providers are also the main mobile phone providers such as Vodafone mobile broadband, T-mobile, O2, 3 mobile broadband and Orange mobile broadband.

Is it suitable for everyone?

Bear in mind though that this exciting concept is not freely available to everyone just yet, so don’t rush to cancel your current telephone or cable internet provider until you have had a closer look at it.

A mobile broadband network will only work well if the mobile telephone network it runs on is efficient.

For instance, disparities in speed are the norm and erratic reception, the curse of mobile phones, will also plague mobile internet connections in exactly the same way.

If you use the internet a lot, mobile broadband is unlikely to be suitable for you as it would not be able to compete with the unlimited usage allowances of most hardwired broadband packages.

However, if all you need is to check your email and surf sporadically, then you will find it an attractive proposition - especially if you are on the move a lot.

Depending on your specific service provider, the new mobile broadband networks offer speeds ranging from 2.8Mb to as much as 7.2Mb. However, usage limits are restrictively applied throughout.

How much can you download?

Current mobile broadband providers are offering download limits of between 1 – 15Gb per month, which means it would not suit anyone who has to regularly transfer large files.

Equally, if you spend hours on YouTube, or listening to internet radio, or can’t resist online pirated movies, mobile broadband is unlikely to suit you - unless money is no object.

For that reason, mobile broadband is unlikely to replace ADSL or cable any time soon.

But, on the other hand, the mobile broadband facility is perfect for anyone who is away from home a great deal and needs frequent and ready access to their email while on the go.

It would be absolutely brilliant for occasional users who have more than one home but don’t want to pay for two broadband connections.

It has also become increasingly popular among students living in student houses where nobody wants to pay for a landline.

What does it cost?

Mobile broadband set-up and monthly costs differ considerably from network to network.

The usage allowance affects the price, but in general, the longer the contract the less it costs.

You will probably find it very helpful to consult a broadband comparison site and compare all mobile broadband deals and current prices.

Watch out…

As mobile broadband technology is still in the early stages of development and very likely to drop substantially in price in the future, it is advisable, say the experts, that consumers avoid extended contract periods.

On the other hand, if money is no object and you are happy to pay for the many advantages of a permanently connected laptop and welcome an escape from all the wires and cables necessary for standard broadband, then go for it!